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Hightower not entering mayor's race

Keith Hightower
8:42 a.m. CDT August 15, 2014

Former Shreveveport Mayor Keith Hightower is shown in front of the Shreveport Convention Center in this 2006 photograph. The construction of the facility is one of the projects he highlights as one the successes of his two terms as mayor. Jim Hudelson/File/The Times
(Photo: Jim Hudelson)

Over the past few months I have been repeatedly encouraged to enter the upcoming mayor's race. Due to that encouragement, I felt obligated to make a good faith effort to determine whether or not I should run. Since I am unable to speak individually with the overwhelming number of individuals who have called, written or approached me at restaurants, grocery stores, and various area events, I decided I would write this open letter to you.

I am proud of the accomplishments we made during my eight years in office which included: designation as an All America City, development of Riverview Park, construction of the Convention Center, expansion and renovation of Independence Stadium, construction of the Hilton Convention Hotel, construction of the new Central Fire Station, moving city hall back to downtown in a cost-efficient space-sharing with both the Parish Commission and Caddo Parish sheriff, riverfront improvement, expansion of our tourist industry, including new casino hotels, development of the Youree Drive shopping corridor, and tremendous growth at our Port. It's noteworthy that each and every one of these accomplishments were prior to and without the benefit of the windfall our city received from the Haynesville shale exploration.

However, my most important accomplishment was not composed of bricks and mortar. I am most proud that my administration's inclusiveness enabled all of us to feel relevant, energized and a part of our city.

We did all that and still managed to maintain (and sweep the streets) and keep the grass mowed. We did all that, and more, through developing and nurturing a spirit of inclusiveness, and pride in our city. A sense of confidence and an expectation of future growth were prevalent during this time. Frankly, those successes give me the confidence that I would again be an effective mayor of our city.

That same experience also gives me a unique insight into the formidable tasks that will confront our next mayor. All is not well at city hall, and it will take strong leadership to right our ship. The next mayor must forge partnerships with: the City Council, the Caddo Parish sheriff, the Caddo Parish Commission, Bossier City officials, school administrators, Barksdale commanders, business leaders and citizens at large. As our influence in Baton Rouge wanes with the ever-growing power of that part of Louisiana lying south of Interstate 10, a concerted effort to bring together our entire region's legislative delegation has never been more essential.

As a life-long resident, I love our city. As a businessman, I am concerned about its future. We have much on the horizon that will afford us the chance to be a dynamic, vibrant community. The completion of I-49 to Arkansas, the prospect of I-69 making us a nexus for three interstate highways, the opening of Benteler Steel at our Port, our growing national reputation of a sportsman's paradise, and the possibility of adding Amtrak to our transportation system all bode well for us.

At the same time, we must have a city government that is equal to the task; that facilitates, rather than complicates progress. That effort will require more cooperation, more productive activity, quality preparation and swifter execution by city government than we have had of late.

The demographics of Shreveport enable us to use the power and advantage that diversity affords to us. When any segment of our population seeks to dominate and to exclude others from decision-making and governance, our community falls short of its potential. The tasks are too great and the challenges are too numerous to tolerate a government that disregards the talent of any group of our citizens. I take pride in the fact that my administration's make-up was a reflection of our entire community. Utilization of the best and brightest regardless of their gender, age, or race must be the goal of the next mayor.

After careful and prayerful consideration, I have decided that I can best be of service through my willingness to assist whoever is elected our next mayor.

To those who have decided to offer themselves for consideration, I thank them for their willingness to serve. It is a job that requires a unique set of skills, a thick skin and a willingness to give it everything you have. I sincerely thank those who encouraged me to run. I ask them, and their fellow voters, to educate themselves on the issues, demand that the candidates declare where they stand, make an informed decision, and then go vote in November.

Keith P. Hightower is a Shreveport businessman and former mayor of Shreveport.